45 Days Till First Game, Where are We Now?

15 days since my last post. what does the NFL season look like?

- Players are beginning to opt out of the 2020 season (Packers new wide receiver Funchess is out)

- No preseason games

- COVID testing - testin - testing

- Aaron Rodgers is giving interviews about his future

- Attendance at Packer games will be restricted

- The NFL season is not a sure thing!

And, the drama, COVID, social justice, the National Anthem, Rodgers & Love, Rodgers with Love (no more Danica!) This season will be one for the books, only question is what category?

- A Love Story (Rodgers new babe or Love the QB)

- A Fiction (Will the season be played, or should we just make something up)

- History (Another Super Bowl for The Pack)

- A Comedy (La Fleur beats McCarthy in the NFC Championship Game)

Somehow this season seems very irrelevant compared to all the DRAMA in 2020.  Will a NFL season be enough to makes us forget the drama around us just for 3-4 hours???  Time will tell!

60 Days Till First Game, What Has Changed?

Things are moving along, and not all good, but, time keeps bringing the Packers first game closer!

Some fall sports programs in college are being canceled.  High Schools are still trying to figure out what the year will look like? MLB season is set to begin the season without fans.  Golfers are playing each week without crowd.

In real life, some states are spiking, a others are being more cautious.  But, everyday is closer to a vaccine & back to what we need - FREEDOM!!!!

So, no fans for Packer practice & preseason games.  The regular season looks like a limited amount of fans in the stands.  What will happen with the first positive COVID case during the season?

OK, time to look at the team and hope football is the topic!

Predictions For The 2020 NFL Season?

First game September 13, that is 75 days from July 1!

75 DAYS!

What do I see?

With a surge is some states - NO FANS?

     The NFL moves all around the country!  Packers Fans move ALL around the country!  I cannot see 80,000 fans, sitting side-by-side, steaming into a mask!!!!!!  So, I see NO fans!

     NFL players & COVID?  When, and it will happen, a player test positive for COVID........ oh baby, what happens.......
- fellow team members
- opposing team members
- family members
- trainers, equipment managers, .........

My suggestion?  NFL Season after vaccine, no sooner.

It Has Been Awhile...........

Right, this Packer Fan has been in mental limbo..........

First, the Packer Draft..........................WHYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY?

Then, COVID, ....................really!  A Global Pandemic?  Thanks China!

     Wearing masks, social distancing, stock market, 401K's, Quarantine, NO NO SPORTS!

Thanks China!!!!!!

Then, one stupid cop!

I must admit, my enthusiasm for the NFL Season is at an all time LOW!

Will the Packer Buddies make a trip to Lambeau??????

More to come........

Packers 2020 #1 Draft Pic - Jordan Love

Jordan Love - Quarterback - Utah State - 6'4" - 224 lbs

As you listen to all the talking heads, the spin, the numbers, the teams that played for the teams they played against, the interviews, ................. what will happen in the NFL Career?  There is NEVER an easy answer!

A few examples, list in draft order during the draft

2020 - Joe Burrow - Tua Tagovailoa - Justin Herbert - Jordan Love - Jalen Hurts
2019 - Kyle Murray - Daniel Jones - Dwayne Haskins - Drew Lock - Will Grier
2018 - Baker Mayfield - Sam Darnold - Josh Allen - Josh Rosen - Lamar Jackson
2017 - Mitchell Trubisky - Patrick Mahomes - Deshaun Watson - DeShone Kizer - Davis Web
2016 - Jared Groff - Carson Wentz - Paxton Lynch - Christan Hackenberg - Jacoby Bisset
2015 - James Winston - Marcus Mariota - Garrett Grayson - Sean Mannion - Bryce Mannion
2014 - Blake Bortles - Johnny Manziel - Teddy Bridgewater - Derek Carr - Jimmy Garoppolo
2013 - EJ Manuel - Geno Smith - Mike Glennon - Matt Barkley - Ryan Nassib
2012 - Andrew Luck - Robert Griffin - Ryan Tannehill - Brandon Weeden - Brock Osweiler
2011 - Cam Newton - Jake Locker - Blaine Gabbert - Christan Ponder - Andy Dalton
2010 - Sam Bradford - Tim Tebow - Jimmy Clausen - Colt McCoy - Mike Kafka
2009 - Matt Stafford - Mark Sanchez - Josh Freeman - Pat White - Stephen McGee
2008 - Matt Ryan - Joe Flacco - Brian Brohm - Chad Henne - Kevin O'Connell
2007 - JaMarcus Russel - Brady Quinn - Kevin Kolb - John Beck - Drew Stanton
2006 - Vince Young - Matt Leonard - Jay Cutler - Kellen Clemens - Tavaris Jackson
2005 - Alex Smith - Aaron Rodgers - Jason Campbell - Charlie Frye - Andrew Walter
2004 - Eli Manning - Philip Rivers - Ben Rothlisberger - JP Losman - Matt Shaub
2003 - Carson Palmer - Bryon Leftwich - Kyle Boller - Rex Grossman - Dave Ragone
2002 - David Carr - Joey Harrington - Patrick Ramsey - Josh McCown - David Garrard
2001 - Michael Vick - Drew Brees - Quincy Carter - Marques Tuisosopo - Chris Weinke
2000 - Chad Pennington - Giovanni Carmazzi - Chris Redman - Tee Martin - Marc Bulger
and in 2000 the 7th QB taken was Tom Brady!!!!!!!!

What does that tell you about drafting a QB?  In case you are NOT a numbers person, here are my personal stats on this list:

Out of 100 players of the list (just the first 5 Qb's), and not counting 2020 players

1 - 20 players names DO NOT even ring a bell -NO memory of their career??
2 - 40 players on the list have started a lot of NFL games
3 - 40 have been backups & started a few games

Now, out of the 100 QB's - about 10 have had what I would call great careers?
Hall of Famers???  Aaron Rodgers, Drew Brees, Ben Rothlisberger, Eli Manning???

So, drafting a QB is a challenge?  Like many, at age 36, Rodgers is in the 4th quarter!  Would I have taken Jordan Love in the 1st round.

Now, to give Jordan Love, some LOVE!  He is an athlete, he has the size, he is able to throw on the run & improvise!  Now, this BIGGEST plus for Jordan Love?  After a year being Aaron, could he be an improvement in the backup roll?  After the LAST 4-5 years, when Aaron was injured - DISASTER!  So, I HOPE in the NEXT 3-4 years he will backup Aaron & we DO NOT need him!

The Dust Has Cleared, Now, Let's Look at The NFL Draft of 2020

First the 2020 NFL Draft?  They did it!  In fact, it was NOT BAD!  It was different, but, anytime you use technology, and it is some new!  That is scary!  You hold your breath!  You say a lot of prayers!  And, you DO NOT sleep well!  Remember the year 2000!  New Years Eve, Dec 31, 1999!  The world could end.  Computers would stop working!  Traffic lights, the power grid, banking systems, hospitals, government, everything would stop!  NO IT DID NOT!  Remember, when Johnny Carson left the Tonight Show, we still have a Tonight Show (BUT, I still miss Johnny!)

And, the Packers 2020 Draft?  I KNOW, we did not draft a wide receiver!

My first comment, "(@&(^&%#&(@#)*@)&%#&%*@&)*@)"

But, it is what it is, he is what we have:

Now, today I will just give my first reaction, 

and in upcoming blog posts, more detail.

Round 1 - Jordan Love - Quarterback - Utah State - 6'4" - 224 lbs

First, the shock!  A QB?  WHAT?  This is supposed to be a deep NFL draft in wide receivers.  There were 6 receivers taken before our pick and 7 taken before our round 2 pick.  And, did you see our last game with the 49ers?  They, KIND OF ran all over us!  In fact, didn't Garapolo throw only 8 passes and they kicked our butt!  There were 2 defensive tackles & 2 linebackers taken before our first pick & 2 defensive tackles & 2 linebackers taken before our second pick.  

I'm finished, now Jordan Love.  Kind of feel sorry for the guy.  First, the "EYEBALL" test!  Nice size!  Very athletic!  First interview, well spoken & humble!  Like the kid!  My vision:

1 - Boy do we need a GOOD back up!  Last couple years, Aaron goes done, we are cooked, a sub 500 team that is very bad to watch!  Now, it will not happen this year, but, for his first contract, 4-5 years, do we have a QUALITY BACK UP!  I HOPE SO!!!!!  We really need one!

2 - Will Aaron play after 4-5 more years.  You need a crystal ball!  He will be 40-41.  He is a thinker, and "out-of-the-box" kind of guy!  He may want to climb Mt Everest, have kids, get married, run for president, teach yoga in Green Bay(I heard we need a good yoga place!)  If so, would Jordan Love be THE MAN!  We will eventually need one!

Round 2 - AJ Dillon - Running Back - Boston College - 6'0" - 247 lbs

First impression, well spoken.  Great blood, grand daddy was  a running back at Notre Dame & the first African-American Captain!  And, the little tape I've seen a beast of a runner. (A little like Eddie Lacy, before he found the salad bar at the Golden Corral!)

Round 3 - Josiah Deguara - Tight End - Cincinnati - 6'2" - 242 lbs

Boy, do WE need a tight end!  Jimmy Graham flopped, Jared Cook was a great pick up and we let him get away!  We have not had a quality tight end in awhile!  A Round 3 pick, some had him going round 5 or 6?  Are we that smart?  Time will tell!

Round 4 - NO PICK - we traded it to move up for Jordan Love - 

REALLY (Sorry, I lost it again)

Round 5 - Kamal Martin - Linebacker - Minnesota - 6'3" - 240 lbs

Reading his initial bio material, did not light up the Big Ten at Minnesota, he may be an OK special team player this year, but at this point does not seem ready or even close to push for a starting job in a VERY weak Packer inside linebacker group!

Round 6A - Jon Runyan, Jr - Offensive Guard - Michigan - 6'4" - 306 lbs

First, love the name!  Great Blood Line!  His dad was a beast of an offensive tackle in the NFL!  He Dad was bigger, a coming out of college better!  But, as a round 6 pick, not bad.  The young man should know what it takes to be a pro!  May have a surprise here, but will also be a guard.

Round 6B - Jake Hanson - Ceneter - Oregon - 6'4" - 303 lbs 

First, this is NOT Jake from State Farm (I asked Aaron)  Again, not a upper round pick, but started for 4 years in the Pac 12 & as a center, you need to have you act together, calling defensive lines & handling the pigskin!  You always need a backup center and our gut Corey Linsley is free agent next year!

Round 6C - Simon Stepaniak -  Offensive Guard - Indiana - 6'4" - 313 lbs

Another offensive lineman in the sixth round??? (Someone, must have thought you drafted offensive line in round 6 only - OPPS!)  Again, late round, so talent is questionable, but he benched 225 lbs - 37 times at the combine!  And, would is, he is a little nasty - WE NEED SOME NASTY!

Round 7A - Vernon Scott - Safety - Texas Christian - 6'2 - 206 lbs

First round 7 - he needs to make the team on special teams first!  We have some depth on the team know, I will be VERY surprised if he makes the team - maybe practice squad?

Round 7B - Jonathan Garvin - Edge - Miami, FL - 6'4" - 263 lbs

Another special team guy!  We do NEED depth at the outside linebacker position, so he will have that opportunity!  Word is he has some talent, but needs more consistency play (Otherwise, he needs a fire lit under his butt!)  Jonathan, $$$$$$$$$$$  if you hustle baby!!!

There it is!  My first quick look!  More to come!!!

NFL Draft Less Than A Week Away! Time To Get Serious!

OK Packers Fans, Time To Get SERIOUS!  WE NEED TO DRAFT SMART!

It is time the Packers draft a few PRO BOWL caliber players!  A lot is dumb luck, bet we are due!

If you have been following this blog, you probably know what I want!

FIRST!

A play maker!  This could be a wide receiver, a tight end, or a running back!
Aaron Rodgers NEEDS HELP!!!

A Wide Receiver, speed and open field game breaker!  We have ENOUGH TALL GUYS!

Or, Tight End - remember the Super Bowl - Kelce(Cheifs) & Kittle(49ers) - one of those guys!
Verdict is out on Jace Sternberger, he may be a player?  And, Graham is gone!

Or, Running Back - a Christian McCafferey type - running back & wide receiver!  We have one that
may be that guy - Aaron Jones, BUT two would be more fun!

SECOND!

Defense, again a play maker!

Defensive Line - A BEAST!  Remember the 49ers running & running & running & running!!

An Inside Linebacker - a BEAST with speed!  A HEAT SEEKING MISSLE!  Speed to cover tight ends.  A player that will have opposing ball carriers looking for him, because he HURTS!!!!

Remember we draft at #30, so, some quality will be gone, BUT plenty left!

Ideas to check out??  Will discuss next time - have a look!

1. Joe Burrow, QB1, LSU
2. Chase Young, EDGE1, Ohio St.
3. Tua Tagovailoa, QB2, Alabama
4. Jeffrey Okudah, CB1, Ohio State
5. Tristan Wirfs, OT1, Iowa
6. CeeDee Lamb, WR1, Oklahoma
7. Isaiah Simmons, LB1, Clemson
8. Jerry Jeudy, WR2, Alabama
9. Justin Herbert, QB3, Oregon
10. Javon Kinlaw, DL1, South Carolina
11. K'Lavon Chaisson, EDGE2, LSU
12. Andrew Thomas, OT2, Georgia
13. Tee Higgins, WR3, Clemson
14. Henry Ruggs III, WR4, Alabama
15. Jedrick Wills, OT3, Alabama
16. Curtis Weaver, EDGE3, Boise State
17. Josh Jones, OT4, Houston
18. Mekhi Becton, OT5, Louisville
19. Xavier McKinney, S1, Alabama
20. Derrick Brown, DL2, Auburn
21. Jalen Reagor, WR5, TCU
22. Kristian Fulton, CB2, LSU
23. Jordan Love, QB4, Utah State
24. Yetur Gross-Matos, EDGE4, Penn State
25. Jeremy Chinn, S2, Southern Illinois
26. A.J. Epenesa, EDGE5, Iowa
27. Neville Gallimore, DL3, Oklahoma
28. Bryan Edwards, WR6, South Carolina
29. Kyle Dugger, S3, Lenoir-Rhyne
30. C.J. Henderson, CB3, Florida
31. Zack Baun, EDGE6, Wisconsin
32. Grant Delpit, S4, LSU
33. Noah Igbinoghene, CB4, Auburn
34. Antoine Winfield Jr., S5, Minnesota
35. Terrell Burgess, S6, Utah
36. Jonathan Taylor, RB1, Wisconsin
37. K'Von Wallace, S6, Clemson
38. Laviska Shenault, WR7, Colorado
39. Josh Uche, EDGE7, Michigan
40. Jonathan Greenard, EDGE8, Florida
41. Denzel Mims, WR8, Baylor
42. Tyler Johnson, WR9, Minnesota
43. Cam Akers, RB2, Florida State
44. Ross Blacklock, DL4, TCU
45. Ashtyn Davis, S7, California
46. Julian Blackmon, S8, Utah
47. Isaiah Hodgins, WR10, Oregon State
48. Netane Muti, iOL1, Fresno State
49. Jeff Gladney, CB5, TCU
50. A.J. Terrell, CB6, Clemson
51. Jaylon Johnson, CB7, Utah
52. Gabriel Davis, WR11, UCF
53. Troy Dye, LB2, Oregon
54. Julian Okwara, EDGE9, Notre Dame
55. Jacob Eason, QB5, Washington
56. Trevon Diggs, CB8, Alabama
57. Jordan Elliott, DL5, Missouri
58. Willie Gay Jr., LB3, Miss State
59. Ezra Cleveland, OT6, Boise State
60. Jonah Jackson, iOL2, Ohio State
61. Patrick Queen, LB4, LSU
62. K.J. Hamler, WR12, Penn State
63. Brandon Aiyuk, WR13, Arizona State
64. Justin Jefferson, WR14, LSU
65. Matt Peart, OT7, UConn
66. Damon Arnette, CB9, Ohio State
67. Michael Ojemudia, CB10, Iowa
68. Isaiah Wilson, OT8, UGA
69. Chase Claypool, WR15, Notre Dame
70. John Hightower, WR16, Boise State
71. Akeem Davis-Gaither, LB5, Appalachian State
72. Antonio Gandy-Golden, WR17, Liberty
73. Matt Hennessy, iOL3, Temple
74. Ben Bartch, OT9, St. John's (MN)
75. Bryce Hall, CB11, Virginia
76. Michael Pittman Jr., WR18, USC
77. Anthony McFarland Jr., RB3, Maryland
78. Marlon Davidson, DL6, Auburn
79. Josiah Scott, CB12, Michigan State
80. Joe Reed, WR19, Virginia
81. Amik Robertson, CB13, La Tech
82. Cesar Ruiz, iOL4, Michigan
83. Damien Lewis, iOL5, LSU
84. Kenneth Murray, LB6, Oklahoma
85. James Proche, WR20, SMU
86. Javaris Davis, CB14, Auburn
87. Davion Taylor, LB7, Colorado
88. Darnay Holmes, CB15, UCLA
89. Clyde Edwards-Helaire, RB4, LSU
90. Harrison Bryant, TE1, Florida Atlantic
91. Brycen Hopkins, TE2, Purdue
92. Dane Jackson, CB16 Pittsburgh
93. Jaylinn Hawkins, S9, California
94. Darrell Taylor, EDGE10, Tennessee
95. Solomon Kindley, iOL6, Georgia
96. John Reid, CB17, Penn State
97. Darnell Mooney, WR21, Tulane
98. Stantley Thomas-Oliver, CB18, Florida International
99. Essang Bassey, CB19, Wake Forest
100. Geno Stone, S10, Iowa